Mudflats and Memories: Yoo Jae Suk and Haha Reveal Why BIGBANG Hasn’t Returned to ‘Running Man’ in Over 10 Years
September 11, 2026
On the September 6, 2026 broadcast of SBS’s Running Man, variety icons Yoo Jae Suk and Haha shared hilarious behind-the-scenes memories with global K-pop legends BIGBANG, revealing the physical reason why the group hasn’t returned to the show in over a decade. What started as friendly banter over concert merch quickly turned into a nostalgia-filled episode as the cast recalled the iconic—and grueling—mudflat race from 2015 that left leader G-Dragon with unforgettable “bad memories.”
At D-Muse Magz, we are diving into all the details from the episode, looking back at BIGBANG’s legendary history on Running Man, and breaking down why fans are praying for a long-awaited reunion on set!
Episode Snapshot: The BIGBANG Conversation on ‘Running Man’
| Episode Feature | Details & Context |
| Show & Episode | SBS Running Man (Aired September 6, 2026) |
| Featured Cast Members | Yoo Jae Suk, Haha, Ji Suk Jin, Kim Ji-yoo |
| Topic of Discussion | BIGBANG‘s 10-plus year hiatus from Running Man |
| Last Full Group Appearance | 2015 (MADE Album Promotional Era) |
| Core Reason Cited | Extreme physical hardships during the famous 2015 mudflat challenge |
| Production Note | Production team added subtitles promising to “lay out a flower path” for their return |
1. The Mudflat Incident: Why G-Dragon’s Memories Kept Him Away
The hilarious exchange kicked off after the production team instructed the Running Man cast to arrive at the studio dressed in careful, stylish outfits. Haha arrived wearing a piece of official BIGBANG merchandise, proudly displaying his deep fandom for the legendary group. When teased by Yoo Jae Suk, Haha revealed that he had just attended a concert the night before and was moved to tears watching the performance.
Yoo Jae Suk chimed in to affirm their longstanding connection, stating warmly, “We’re pretty close with BIGBANG.” This prompted castmate Ji Suk Jin to ask the million-dollar question that fans have been asking for years: “Then why doesn’t BIGBANG ever come here anymore?”
Yoo Jae Suk immediately confessed the real reason behind the extended hiatus:
“G-Dragon had an incredibly hard time the last time he came here. It was really intense back then.”
Haha couldn’t hold back his laughter as he agreed, adding, “GD has some bad memories from here!” Both variety veterans were referring to the famous 2015 episode when all members of BIGBANG appeared to promote their hit MADE album series. During that filming, the group threw themselves body-first into an exhausting series of challenges set in a muddy tidal flat, resulting in iconic viral memes of G-Dragon covered head-to-toe in mud while fighting through the game.[2015: ‘MADE’ Era Mudflat Filming] ───> [Grueling Physical Challenges] ───> [10-Year Running Man Hiatus] ───> [2026: Open Love Call]
2. Haha’s Public Love Call to BIGBANG
Despite the grueling history of the 2015 mudflat shoot, the mutual affection between the Running Man cast and BIGBANG remains as strong as ever. During the broadcast, Haha turned directly toward the main camera to deliver a passionate personal invitation:
- Sending the Message: “I want to see BIGBANG. Come out on the show just once!”
- Recalling the Hype: Haha shared how energetic the atmosphere was at the recent concert, expressing his immense gratitude for how welcoming the fans and members were.
- The Flower Path Promise: Responding to Haha’s public call, the Running Man editing team added sweet onscreen captions reading, “We will lay out a flower path and wait,” promising that any future appearance by BIGBANG will feature zero mud and maximum royal treatment.
3. Looking Back: BIGBANG’s Iconic Legacy on ‘Running Man’
Throughout the 2010s, BIGBANG was widely recognized as one of the few idol groups capable of matching the chaotic, high-energy pacing of the Running Man cast. Every time the group stepped onto the set, television ratings skyrocketed, producing some of the most memorable variety show moments in Korean broadcast history.
- The 2012 Debut Appearance: Competing in an intense hide-and-seek bell race throughout a massive shopping complex, showcasing their innate athleticism and quick variety wit.
- G-Dragon’s 2013 Solo Cameo: Navigating swampy farmland and competing alongside Seungri and Daesung in a mud-soaked field, planting the seeds for his legendary variety struggles.
- The 2015 ‘MADE’ Extravaganza: The famous full-group appearance featuring Roman gladiator costumes, water basketball, and the unforgettable tidal mudflat battle that ultimately sealed their variety fate.
4. Why a 2026 BIGBANG Reunion Is More Anticipated Than Ever
As BIGBANG continues to celebrate their massive legacy through solo endeavors, joint concerts, and special anniversary activities, a return to non-scripted variety television would mark a massive pop culture event. For years, K-pop enthusiasts have longed to see the group reunite with Yoo Jae Suk and Haha, two hosts who have supported them since their rookie years in the mid-2000s.
While G-Dragon might still carry hilarious trauma from his days crawling through tidal mudflats, the promise of a “flower path” experience might finally be enough to coax the Kings of K-pop back into the Running Man spotlight.
Whether BIGBANG decides to answer Haha’s love call or keep their Running Man memories locked safely in the past, one thing is certain: the bond between the group and the variety crew remains untouched by time. Fans around the world will be keeping their fingers crossed, waiting for the day BIGBANG steps back onto the Running Man set for one more iconic race.
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